Waterproofing Techniques for Basement Floors

Why is basement floor waterproofing so often overlooked, when if it was done when the basement was built, there would be fewer problems with seepage and flooding? Many people think basements are just concrete storage spaces for things you don't use very often. Now, people realize the potential of this space for something much more such as extra living space, family rooms and bedrooms.

Water situation was not encountered in the beginning by homeowners, but it later appeared because sub-floor and sub-surface drains clogged with mud.

The soil will become too wet and saturated if water from the roof isn't directed far away enough from the foundation. As the home settles, walls crack, protective coatings applied to the exterior biodegrades and drainage systems fill up with silt. Leakage in the basement can be caused by all of these problems. Natural pressure from the soil against the foundation will cause flowing ground water to enter through any cracks or crevices in your foundation.  The level of pressure is positively correlated with the height of the water level. In turn this water, under increased pressure, seeks entry through cracks and crevices in the walls and floors, and concrete is no match for water pressure. The end results are a water filled crawlspace or basement.

A pressure relief system can eliminate water that leaks into your basement. Whenever there happens to be a power outage due to a rainstorm, it is very likely that the primary pumps will not work, and that may cause somewhat of an inconvenience. Over time this pressure increases until the moisture is literally pushed through the floor or wall (usually called bleeding). Corners and joints that connect the floor and the wall are the most likely candidates for seepage.

If you think that water is comming out of an isolated area, you can lower the water table and the underground hydrostatic pressure by using an easy-to-install sump pump below your floor table.  However, concrete is porous and allows water vapor to pass through. Because of moisture it feels even more cold, and rots carpet and other floor coverings. Even the mold starts to grow and basement smeels musty.

One fix for this problem is to use some of the quality sealants now available to the average home owner. It is often possible to paint them with either the roller or spray method. Here are some examples of what a regular project might entail:

- First the floor of the area being worked on must be prepared to make it smooth and remove any excess material
- making sure the basement floor is as dry as possible, hiring large fans or heaters if necessary.
- making sure wall/floor junctions are sealed.
- Filling in all crevices and bends which are especially visible.
- Priming the floor when the product calls for the use of a primer.
Spread two or three coats which is just right top-coating of the final product.

A high quality product will result in basement floor waterproofing that can last for years and years. Permaflex is one type of sealant that will give a complete and permanent waterproofing for a basement floor. This indoor waterproofing system claims to permanently seal you lower level floor at considerably less cost than other systems.